Gravity owner Matt Keen decided to go into business for himself after his former employer, Manifest Records, closed.

Fast forward a decade. The music industry has drastically changed and record stores have found different ways to stay in business. Gravity has relocated from Kerr Avenue to Castle Street, and they may sell a lot more vinyl than in the beginning, but their attitude hasn't changed.

"Matt and the staff have always been really nurturing and supportive of us and other local acts in terms of listening to (our) music and giving positive reinforcement, along with constructive criticism," said Travis Harrington, lead singer and guitarist for Astro Cowboy.

Keen has always expressed a desire to help people find music they're looking for while sharing info about new or lesser-known acts, and Gravity has hosted a long list of performances, whether by visiting bands or local acts celebrating an album release.

Keen began playing violin at age 3, but he turned down a music scholarship at the North Carolina School of the Arts to stay in Wilmington.

"At that time I wasn't sure yet as to how I would do it, but I knew (my life) would involve music," Keen said. "To receive the love and support of the community has made it a lot easier."

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